Epilogue.
Hannah
I couldn't believe I had actually agreed to this. Months of playful banter had finally worn me down, and here I was, dressed to the nines and nervously awaiting his arrival. The thrill was intoxicating, but so was the fear of the unknown. Mario, with his smouldering gaze and infuriating charm, stood at my doorstep, a stark contrast to my jittery nerves.
This was beyond risky, more reckless than anything I’d had ever dared with my wild antics. Yet, unlike Ashlee, I couldn't even confide in my closest friends, fearing their disapproval. How could I explain this magnetic pull towards a man so entangled in the dangerous world of the Mafia?
At least I wasn’t fucking two men.
My heart raced as the doorbell rang precisely on time, interrupting my frantic thoughts. I rushed downstairs, evading my mother's curious gaze, knowing she wouldn't approve of Mario, who was years older and undoubtedly trouble.
"It's for me," I called back to her, steeling myself for what lay ahead. Mario's voice greeted me with that familiar smoothness as I met his gaze, a mixture of attraction and apprehension swirling within me. "Mario," I replied cautiously, feeling his eyes on me as he smirked knowingly.
"It's about time you agreed to this date," he teased, offering his arm. Reluctantly, I accepted, feeling his strong presence beside me as we headed towards his sleek black car. His confidence was both infuriating and irresistible, a potent combination that left me unnerved yet strangely drawn.
As he drove, the tension between us simmered. "Where are we going?" I asked, trying to break the silence.
Mario's smirk deepened, his Italian accent adding an exotic edge to his response. "Why spoil the surprise?" He countered, earning an exasperated groan from me. "You're impossible," I muttered, the allure of his mystery beginning to tug at my curiosity.
“So you say, Bella, but you love it.”
Jesus, why had I agreed to this again? He infuriated me. He was arrogant and frustrating and so fucking charming it made me weak at the knees.
Arriving at a softly lit restaurant, Mario continued to play the part of the perfect gentleman, a stark contrast to his dangerous world. His hand on my lower back sent shivers down my spine as we entered, and I couldn't help but wonder if this was all part of some elaborate game.
Seated at our table, his charm was in full force, ordering for us both with a confidence that bordered on arrogance.
"You ordered for me," I accused with a mix of amusement and frustration.
Mario's grin widened. "You didn't know what you wanted," he countered smoothly, his gaze locking with mine in a challenge I wasn't sure I wanted to win.
Throughout dinner, his charisma was both captivating and unnerving. "I will win you over," he asserted, his words lingering in the air between us. My mind screamed caution, but my traitorous heart fluttered with something dangerously close to longing.
"I'm not a prize to be won," I retorted, struggling to maintain my composure against his persistent advances.
Mario chuckled softly, his eyes darkening with a mixture of desire and determination. "You're so much more," he murmured, a touch of sincerity softening his usual bravado.
“This is a one off date, Mario.”
He laughed, his eyes bright with confidence. “I will win you over, Hannah. It may have taken month to get to this point, but I am still here. I will win you over.”
“You’re not winning a thing because I am not a prize.”
“Regardless, I still want you.”
As the evening wore on, the battle between reason and desire intensified. Mario's proximity was electrifying, his presence overwhelming my senses in a way I couldn't resist. With each lingering touch and whispered promise, I found myself teetering on the edge of surrender.
Could I ignore the warnings, the instincts screaming at me to run? Or would I succumb to the dangerous allure of a man who promised everything and nothing at the same time? The stakes were high, the risks even higher, but as Mario leaned in closer, his gaze locking with mine, I knew one thing for certain — this night would change everything.